Fully-adjustable glove removal apparatus

ABSTRACT

A surgical glove removal apparatus in which a crossmember supports one or more flanges that are able to be slipped between the wearer&#39;s glove and hand, so that when the hand is withdrawn, the flange peels the glove off away from the wearer. A shield is provided to prevent unwanted splatter, with the shield being adjustable virtually 360 degrees about the crossmember. The crossmember is supported by support legs that are able to be attached to virtually any surface angle, with the flanges able to be utilized with the apparatus attached to a floor surface, a table surface, a wall surface, or even an elevated or ceiling surface, allowing for complete versatility in the placement of this apparatus in a medical setting. The shield and flanges may be adjustable as to position for the user, with the height or extension of the support legs also adjustable so as to accommodate any mounting surface and make it appropriate for the mounting and use of this apparatus.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Two basic concepts exist for surgical glove removal. The first concept uses vacuum pressure chambers to modify the shape and size of the gloves. Recent art has utilized improvements on this first concept. The second basic concept for surgical glove removal uses an external instrument to pull the glove away from the hand. Prior art generally is not intended for attachment to a ceiling or wall, as the present invention does. Further, shields and guards are desirous, since substances on the gloves may contain unwanted contaminants.

Referring now to U.S. Pat. No. 4,002,276 (Poncy et al.), a method for putting on surgical gloves is shown. This invention typifies an early method for using vacuum chambers to put on gloves, and logically also to remove, surgical gloves.

Referring now to U.S. Pat. No. 4,876,747 (Coffey et al.), a removal method for a specific type of glove is shown, in which the glove itself is equipped with a loop that is able to be used in conjunction with a hook to facilitate removal. The glove construction is critical to this invention.

Referring now to U.S. Pat. No. 4,915,272 (Vlock), another vacuum pressure apparatus is shown that is capable of being used to put on as well as remove gloves. This patent shows a complicated method, and requires a cumbersome apparatus.

Referring now to U.S. Pat. No. 5,224,220 (Andriola), a curious sports glove removal method is shown. This method shows an example of an the application of an external force on a portion of the glove to assist in removing it.

Referring now to U.S. Pat. No. 5,467,483 (Saandatmanesh et al.), another attempt to define an apparatus that is used to remove surgical gloves is shown. Unlike the present invention, the removal force is applied externally, rather than inside the glove.

Referring now to U.S. Pat. No. 6,193,117 (Poschelk) an apparatus is shown comprising a means to position the opening of the glove for easy insertion and removal of a person's hand. The glove itself requires a ring assembly in order to be usable.

Referring now to U.S. Pat. No. 6,241,134 (Dunkel), an apparatus to facilitate removal of gloves is shown. Although there are some similarities to the present invention, this invention does not allow ease of use as the present invention does, and lacks the fully adjustable characteristics.

Referring now to U.S. Pat. No. 6,279,792 (Neal), an apparatus having a flange that is inserted between the hand and glove is shown. Referring now also to U.S. patent application No. 2002/0158092 (Cattenhead), a latex glove removal and disposal unit combination is shown. The varied mounting positions are not available with either of these patents, as is available with the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

This apparatus comprises a useful means to remove close fitting or tight fitting gloves, such as surgical type latex gloves. The removal of these type of gloves is often difficult to do, owing to the manner in which the gloves themselves provide a constricting force on all of the surface area of the wearer's hand. In addition, it is often undesirable to attempt removal of these types of gloves without some external instrument, in situations where caustic and/or biologically threatening substances are present on the gloves themselves. If removal is attempted without using a stationary external instrument, then the undesirable substances on the glove of one hand will likely be transferred to the skin of the other hand during the removal. Removal methods that do not use an external instrument generally will require that the wearer use their thumb or finger portion of one glove to place underneath the glove on the other hand, which will also make contact against the skin to pry the second glove off.

This instrument avoids undesired contact of one hand against the other, and easily and quickly allows glove removal. In addition, this invention allows for placement and orientation of the invention in virtually all possible orientations. Therefore, this invention finds usefulness in situations where a tabletop is provided as the surface to which this invention is attached, as well as a wall or even a ceiling, where the invention hangs down from above.

This apparatus comprises a framework in which to support legs are spaced apart and separated on one end by a crossmember, with the other ends of the support legs having a means by which they may be attached to a stable and suitable surface. Typically, a bracket is provided and attached to the support legs to allow easy mounting.

The crossmember is preferably straight, but they follow any orientation desired, such as a curved arcual shape, or any other shape that the user finds beneficial. Also on the crossmember are one or more flanges, that have side edges and a curved end. These flanges are preferably flattened portions, but also follow a curved or arcual shape.

The adjustable features of this invention are also able to provide wider range of use. The support legs may be adjustable as to overall length, with an inner support leg being slidably disposed within the outer support leg. In this situation, the outer support leg will comprise a tubular member, which is able to receive the inner support leg. The inner support leg may comprise a tubular member, in which the outer circumference of the inner support leg is less than the internal circumference of the outer support leg.

Where the invention is desired to be adjustable as to length of its support legs, a locking means is provided so as to fix the position of the inner and outer support legs in relation to each other. Typically, an adjustment screw, that is threaded through the outer support leg, with the screw end contacting the outer side of the inner support leg is used. When the screw is tightened against the inner support leg, this will cause said leg to be locked into position.

A shielding may also be provided, in which a shield means defines an outer shielding edge, providing a barrier between the mounted flanges and the wearers face. This can be very important, seems undesirable materials on the gloves themselves can easily spatter off of the gloves during the removal. It is foreseeable that some of this undesired material could impact on the person's face if there was no barrier. This invention provides a fully adjustable shield, that is adjustable to numerous positions and able to adjust to any orientation of the framework.

Since this invention contemplates multiple positions, the shield means itself must also be adjustable. In this invention, the shield means is contemplated as having an outer edge with two outer side walls that position the outer edge away from the cross member. The shield itself rotates around the ends of the crossmember, and it is easily removable one from the framework for cleaning. Further adjustment features may be utilized, comprising adjustment screws that tighten against an opposing surface.

The materials used to create this invention may be of any material having rigid properties when formed, and may be metal, plastic or composites. It is the placement of the glove removing flanges and the optional shield that provide the usefulness for this invention.

Accordingly, it is object to this invention to provide a means by which latex gloves are easily removed concurrent with one another in a single removal action.

It is a further object of this invention to provide apparatus in which it is capable of presenting flanges from a framework that are able to be attached to any surface orientation.

It is a further object of this invention to provide apparatus which is capable of being adjusted as to overall length allowing greater options as to the positioning of the flanges with regard to multiple potential surfaces.

It is a further object of this invention to provide the glove removal apparatus having an adjustable shield means to protect the wearer from undesirable spattering.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the glove removal apparatus, as seen from above said apparatus when it is mounted to a floor or another object below the view of the observer, with the wearer's glove and arm shown as an exampled position.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the flange means, where the flange is shown welded to the crossmember.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the shield means, as shown when attached to the ends of the crossmember.

FIG. 4 is a side view of the support leg, with the inner support leg disposed within, and an adjustment screw shown tightened against the inner support leg.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the glove removal apparatus, without a shield means, shown in the orientation as it would appear when attached to the floor or another object below the view of the observer.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the glove removal apparatus, as shown in the orientation as it would appear if mounted to a wall or other vertical structure.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the glove removal apparatus, as shown in the orientation as it would appear if mounted to a ceiling or other structure, in which the glove removal apparatus would hang down.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the top portion of the glove removal apparatus, showing the shield means in a manner where it is able to rotate around the ends of the crossmember.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the crossmember with a loop surrounding the crossmember, and a tightening screw shown as it would be placed into the defined hole.

FIG. 10 is a side view of the crossmember and support leg, with the shield means shown adjacent to the washer outer side, with an adjustment screw shown as it would appear when screw through the shield means and tightened against the washer outer side.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to FIG. 1 a framework 10 is provided, comprising two support legs 11, each having a bottom end which defines a means for attachment to a separate supporting surface, and a top end for supporting a crossmember 14. Said support legs 11 are generally parallel to each other and are spaced apart by a crossmember 14. Said crossmember 14 is attached to each support leg 11 along its length so that the ends 15 of the crossmember 14 protrude beyond the point where the support leg 11 is attached. In this manner, the support legs 11 and crossmember 14 define a U-shaped framework 10.

Referring now also to FIG. 2, along the length of crossmember 14, are one or more flange members 20, which are defined as generally flat sections of material having a width as defined from a first side edge 23 to a second side edge 23′, with a peripheral end 22 defining a curved or arcual shape. The flange member 20 has a relatively small thickness, with the peripheral end 22 having a thickness that is preferably no more than 3 millimeters. The thickness of the central portion of the flange 20 may vary in overall thickness for purposes of strength. The flange member 20 may be defined as a flat piece of material, or have a curved or arcual shape along its length. The flange member 20 is capable of being firmly fixed to the crossmember 14.

In circumstances where the framework 10 and flange members 20 are comprised of metal, the flange members 20 may be welded on their attachment edge 21 to the crossmember 14. It is not necessary that the framework 10 and flange members 20 be constructed out of metal, but may be constructed out of any material having rigid qualities. In such instances, the flange members 20 may be glued or attached in any manner commonly known in the art to crossmember 14.

As is shown in FIG. 1, the flange members 20 are attached to the crossmember 14 so that they are angled downward, toward the length of the support legs 11. The exact angle of the flange means 20 may be any angle desired, but the most optimal angle is from 0 to 45 degrees, as related to pointing directly downward. In this manner, a glove wearing hand 19 it is able to position itself so that the hand is hanging downward, with the opening between the wrist/palm and glove immediately below the end 22 of flange 20. In this manner, the flange end 22 is able to slip in between the glove and palm, and separates the glove from the palm as the hand is pulled upward, with the glove remaining behind on the flange 20.

As indicated in FIG. 1, the flange 20 is able to be positioned between the glove and the persons palm, so that when the hand is moved upward, the glove will be prevented from moving upward due to the flange 20, so that the is easily separated away from the person and allowed to simply fall straight down.

Also shown in FIG. 1, on the bottom ends of the support legs 11, are mounting means 12, which allow the framework 10 to be fixed to any surface desired that is capable of providing a proper foundation for the framework 10. These surfaces would comprise floors, tables, platforms, walls, or any other similar surface capable of supporting the framework 10. In FIG. 1, brackets 12 are shown, which comprise flat plates oriented perpendicular to the length of the support leg 11, having holes defined therein, which would allow mounting screws to be used to fix the frame 10 to a desired foundation surface 51, such as that shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6.

Referring again to FIG. 1, in situations where the overall length of the support legs 11 are intended to be adjustable, a means to increase or decrease the overall length of the support leg 11 is incorporated into the invention. A secondary or inner support leg 18, having an external circumference that is less the internal circumference of a hollow tubular outer support 11 is shown. The inner support leg 18 is able to be slidably disposed within the outer support leg 11, so that the inner support leg 18 is able to extend out of the outer support leg 11. A means to fix the inner leg 18 in relation to the outer leg 11 is also provided. FIG. 1 discloses an adjustable screw 13, that is threaded through the thickness of the wall of the outer support leg 11, near its top end. As the screw 13 is tightened, it will eventually engage the inner support leg 18, and if the screw 13 is tightened sufficiently, it will frictionally cause the inner leg 18 to fix in position with the outer support leg 11. This adjustable feature allows this particular apparatus to find usefulness not only on a table, but may be useful when attached to a floor, or to a ceiling. In each of these situations, the overall length of the support legs 11 and 18 will properly position the crossmember 14 in an optimal position.

Referring now to FIG. 3, the upper portion of the framework 10 is shown, in which a shield means 30 is shown. Shield means 30 provides a barrier between the glove removal area comprising the flanges 20, and typically the facial area of the wearer. The removal of latex gloves often involves undesirable spattering as the gloves are removed. The shield means 30 comprises an outer edge 34 that is positioned and supported in relation to the crossmember 14 by sidewalls 31 and 32. As FIG. 3 depicts, the side walls 31 and 32 have a triangular shaped configuration, with a respective outer side 31′ and an inner side 32′.

The outer edge 34 may have a curved or flattened configuration. As it is shown in FIG. 8, the peripheral side edge 60 may be shaped and conFig.d so that it follows a circular orientation 61 for the shield means 30 if it pivots around a central axis comprising the crossmember 14.

Referring now also to FIG. 3 and FIG. 8, when the crossmember 14 is situated on the support legs 11, said crossmember 14 will preferably extend beyond that point where the support leg 11 and crossmember 14 are joined, so as to define a crossmember end 15. A washer 16 is fixed to the crossmember 14, so that the protruding end 15 is accessible. Said washer 16 has an outer side 17 and an inner side 17′. A flange or other extension means that provides a surface against which the shield means 30 can rest may also be provided in place of the washer 16. In this manner, the washer 16 acts as a frictional stop against which the inner sides 32′ of the shield means 30 may contact.

Shield means 30 is provided with an opening on its bottom most end 63, through which the end 15 of crossmember is placed. Preferably, the shield means 30 is comprised of a resilient material that exhibits some flexible characteristics, with its nonstressed orientation comprising a gap between the bottom most end areas 63 that is slightly less than the distance between the outer sides 17 of washer means 16. In this manner, the shield means 30 is able to be removed or placed onto the framework 10 as desired, by simply urging the bottom most and areas 63 apart slightly so as to allow the ends 15 to fit in through the openings in the bottom most end areas 63 of the sidewalls 31 and 32. The side walls inner sides 32′ will contact the outer side 17 of the washer means 16. Frictional involvement will be acquired between them. The position of the shield means 30 may be fixed in any desirable position permanently, or may be positioned where desired, with the frictional contact between the shield means 30 and the washer means 16 being sufficient so as to overcome any gravitational effects on the shield means 30. Thus, the shield means 30 is adjustable for use with one individual's characteristics to the next.

Referring also again to FIG. 8, the shield means 30 is rotatable virtually 360°. Multiple positions are shown in FIG. 8, with one position showing the side edge 35 of the shield means 30 when it is in a vertical or upright position when the framework 10 is attached to the floor or tabletop. An alternative position is shown where the side edged 35 has moved as the shield means 30 has been rotated forward, so that side edge 35 is now at position shown as number 40. This provides spattering protection to virtually any position so desired. The shield means 30 is rotatable 360° with the exception of its contact with the framework 10. Since the shield means may be rotated forward until it contacts the framework 10, and also rotatable backwards until it contacts the framework 10, the full rotational benefits, less the small distance occupied by the thickness of the support legs 11, is able to be realized. This allows full use in virtually any orientation, since preferably, the shield means 30 will remain in any position desired by the user.

Referring now also to FIG. 5, the framework 10 is shown in orientation as it would appear if it was attached to the exterior or top surface 51 of a floor or tabletop 50. Likewise, FIG. 6 depicts framework 10 shown with that support legs 11 being horizontal, where the exterior side 51 of a table, wall or vertical surface 50 is shown. Also shown, in FIG. 7, the framework 10 is descending downward or hanging downward from a ceiling or other horizontal surface 50 is above the framework 10. In all three instances, being FIGS. 5-7, the flanges 20 are positioned in a desirable location, with the support legs 11 positioning the crossmember 14 and flanges 20 in the most optimal location for glove removal. The shield means 30 is optional, that would also work in any of these orientations.

The adjustable features of this invention are example and shown in FIG. 4, FIG. 9, and FIG. 10. Referring now specifically to Fig. four, the overall height of this framework 10 is accomplished by allowing the inner support leg 18 to slidably be disposed within the main support leg 11, with an adjustment screw 13 having a defined hole through which the adjustment screw 13 is able to be turned and moved inward until it abuts against the inner support leg 18. As FIG. 4 shows, the adjustment screw 13 has been tightened down until the end of the adjustment screw 13 has physically impacted with the inner support leg 18. When sufficient pressure exists between the adjustment screw 13 and inner support leg 18, movement of the inner support leg 18 and support leg 11 will be restricted in relation to each other, and by making adjustments of similar nature on both support legs 11, the overall height of the crossmember 14 may be adjusted to any desired height that does not exceed the combined length of the inner support leg 18 and support leg 11.

Referring now also to FIG. 9, the inner support leg 18 a shown, with a loop 41 situated on the top portion of inner support leg 18. The loop 41 and inner support leg 18 are integrated into a single piece, so that the loop 41 does not move in relation to support leg 18. The loop 41 defines a sufficient internal diameter that is capable of accommodating the outer circumference of crossmember 14, and where crossmember 14 is slidably disposed through said loop 41. Crossmember 14 will be able to turn and twist end relation to that loop 41. In this configuration also, the shield 30 (not shown in this Fig.) is fixed in relation to the crossmember 14. In such a situation, the shield 30 either replaces the washer 17, or the shield 30 is fixed emulation to the washer outer side 16. As FIG. 9 shows, a tightening screw 42 is placed through a defined hole 43, were said hole 43 has reciprocating walls that allow the screw 42 to be tightened until it abuts against the crossmember 14. When tightening screw 42 applies sufficient frictional force against that crossmember 14, the freely moving crossmember 14 will be fixed in position, allowing the shield 32 also be fixed into position.

Referring also now to FIG. 10, where the inner support leg 11 is physically attached or fixed to crossmember 14, the shield 30 may be fixed in position, with regard to the crossmember 14 and inner support leg 11, using a tightening screw 53 which has threading defined along its length similar to the tightening screws 13 and 42, with a defined hole through the shield 30, and where the hole is immediately adjacent to the washer outer side 16. By tightening the screw 53 so that it applies sufficient frictional force against the washer outer side 16, movement between the shield 30 and washer outer side 16 are fixed in relation to each other. This allows the shield 30 to rotate as shown in FIG. 8. The shield 30 will also the capable of rotating and FIG. 8 by utilizing the apparatus and configuration as shown in FIG. 9. Referring again to FIG. 10, the washer outer side 16 may define notches or holes that will except a protruding screw or pan such as that shown as the tightening screw 53 in FIG. 10.

From the foregoing statements, summary and description in accordance with the present invention, it is understood that the same are not limited thereto, but are susceptible to various changes and modifications as known to those skilled in the art and we therefore do not wish to be limited to the details shown and described herein, but intend to cover all such changes and modifications which would be encompassed by the scope of the appended claims. 

1. An apparatus for removing surgical gloves, comprising: a. a framework, have support legs that are separated by a crossmember, where said support legs are capable of being attached at one end to a fixed surface, and with the other ends supporting the ends of the crossmember; b. a shield means that is attached to the crossmember; c. one or more flanges that directly protrude outward from the crossmember.
 2. An apparatus for removing surgical gloves, as recited in claim 1, in which the support legs are adjustable as to length, in which the support legs further comprise: a. a support leg and an inner support leg, where said inner support leg is slidably disposed within the support leg, and where the top ends of the inner support legs are attached to the crossmember; b. a means to fix the position of the inner support leg and support leg, with respect to each other, in which the means to fix the position comprises an adjustment screw that is able to be placed into a defined hole through the support leg, and where the adjustment screw is able to be tightened against the inner support leg, to provide a frictional force against the inner support leg.
 3. An apparatus for removing surgical gloves, as recited in claim 1, in which the shield means is adjustable with regard to the support legs, where the shield fits around the ends of the crossmember, so that the crossmember protrudes through the shield, and where the shield presses against washers, where said washers are fixed to the crossmember end areas, with the resulting force between the shield and washers providing sufficient frictional force to restrict further movement between them.
 4. An apparatus for removing surgical gloves, as recited in claim 1, in which the shield means is adjustable with regard to the support legs, in which the shield and crossmember are fixed in relation to each other, with the crossmember able to rotate while placed through loops defined on the top ends of the support legs, and where a tightening screw is placed through a hole that extends through the loop, with the tightening screw able to be turned until said screw contacts and establishes frictional force between said screw and the crossmember, so that the crossmember resists turning within the loop.
 5. An apparatus for removing surgical gloves, as recited in claim 1, in which the shield means is adjustable with regard to the support legs, in which the crossmember is fixed to a support leg at both ends, and where the crossmember has a washer defined on the end area of the crossmember, with the shield rotatably positioned adjacent to said washer, and where a screw is placed through a hole in the shield and tightened against the washer out side, until sufficient frictional force is created between the screw and the washer to prevent movement between said washer outer side and shield.
 6. An apparatus for removing surgical gloves, as recited in claim 1, in which the support legs are able to be attached to a ceiling surface, so that the support legs protrude downward and support the shield below the attachment surface.
 7. An apparatus for removing surgical gloves, as recited in claim 1, in which the support legs are able to be attached to a vertical surface, so that the support legs protrude sideways to support the shield to the side of the attachment surface.
 8. An apparatus for removing surgical gloves, as recited in claim 1, in which the support legs are able to be attached to a horizontal surface, so that the support legs protrude upward.
 9. An apparatus for removing surgical gloves, as recited in claim 1, in which the shield is adjustable around the crossmember in relation to the support legs. 